Review-Mirror

By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror Provincial policies affecting municipalities was a major topic of dis- cussion at Rideau Lakes council meeting Monday when the County Official Plan and OPP costing were discussed. The township is facing a $307,000 increase for 2015, another $307,000 in 2016 and a $42,000 cost in 2017 under the new for- mula which combines per household billing and the number of calls. Retaining the current police services board and the detachment in South Elmsley would add an extra $250,000 to pay for a sergeant and civilian sup- port. What council thinks that additional police pres- ence is worth, will be a decision based on resources available for other services the town- ship provides, including capital improvements. "It's very difficult to measure the effectiveness of a detachment. We have 10 officers but when you break it down with holi- days the presence in the township is limited. In case of an emergency the boundaries come undone," said Holman. Monday's presentation was for information only. By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror Skate the Lake volun- teers are making the final preparations for a day of skating and other fun on the Big Rideau next Satur- day, Jan. 24. The annual speed skat- ing event's 11th edition star for the day is a kilo- meter long oval of natural ice on the Big Rideau which becomes a competi- tion venue for skaters of all skills and ages. During the day there are 5, 10, 25 and 50 kilometer races beginning at 9:00 and ending with a 5 by 1K relay at 1:30. This year organizers are hoping to get more people out on the ice leading into the fireworks with a public skate at the end of the day with the music of DJ John- ny 5 and his laser light show. The comfort of food and a bonfire will continue to be available through to the evening with a canteen in the hall as well as food available outside just off the ice. Throughout the day Glen McFadden and his horses will be leaving from the community hall for sleigh rides travelling out on the ice. There will be kids curl- ing at a rink off the oval and RBC Olympian rower Derek O'Farrell returns to Portland. Organizing chair John Bongers is impressed with the team of volunteers who perform the many tasks needed to make the day a success for the com- munity and the partici- pants. "It's like Skate the Lake is on auto-pilot," said Bongers, whose own lead- ership skills and dedica- tion to the task help run a smooth ship. "Each volunteer takes pride in their own task – so that makes the whole event happen seamlessly. Everyone takes ownership of the job they're doing and you can trust that it's done. There's a sense of pride for everyone involved and it's fun. The community has come to count on it and with that you get the help," he said. Meteorologists' predic- tion of warm temperatures this weekend don't have Bongers worried. A slice of ice cut on Tuesday was 13 inches thick. The thaw-snow- freeze in the last few weeks has made the ice rough, condi- tions which Bongers hopes to mediate with a rough sweeper on the ice before the event's Olympian ice groomer makes its debut for 2015. Bongers is hoping the weather will go a long way towards improving the ice conditions. "It's amazing what sun and wind and warm tem- peratures will do," said Bongers who hopes nature can accomplish much of the polishing. While nature does its work on the ice crews of volunteers will be busy this weekend installing temporary shelters and the start-finish line. "Anyone who wants to help should show up on the lake. We have plenty to do," he said. More information about the event including infor- mation about on-line and in-person registration is available on their website at www.skatethelakeport- land.com. Thursday, January 15, 2015 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 123, No. 2 $1incl. tax Mirror The Review Keeping Board and South Elmsley Detachment would add another $250,000 Rideau Lakes OPP bill to rise $656,000 by 2017 INSIDE THIS WEEK RVCA levy up 3.2 per cent Page 2 Seeley's Bay group in line for $25,000 grant Page 3 Snowfluent System processes 10,000 cu/m before pipe break Page 3 North Shore Road properties broken into Page 5 Speeding still an issue on County roads in Westport Page 5 Rideau Lakes Building activity down in 2014 Page 5 Big five-game stretch ahead for the Rideaus Page 10 Lions pond hockey tournament Feb. 7 Page 11 Justin Martin President 613-530-0773 RR 2 Westport, ON K0G 1X0 jtmartin@kingston.net 4 Septic Systems 4 Excavating 4 Landscaping 4 Road Work 4 Rock Excavating 4 Trucking 4 Residential & Commercial Snow Plowing & Sanding 4 Damp Proofing LTD. •Continued on back page Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin duncan s TV & APPLIANCES $ 999 95 Top Load Washer •Stay Fresh TM Door Seal •Silent Design TM •Multiple Wash Cycles Dryer •DrySense TM Technology •7.0 cu. ft. 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